FCT residents calls for govt to weed out unregistered transporters, regulate transport system

<h2>Some residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have raised concerns over unregulated and poor transportation system in the territory and urged government to weed out unregistered transporters.</h2>, <p>Residents further stated that bad transportation system had made transport fares unregulated as drivers charge commuters using their discretion.</p>, <span>FCT residents calls for govt to weed out unregistered transporters, regulate transport system (REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye)</span>, <p>The residents said in separate interviews with a Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that this was important in view of the security challenges in the FCT. They said allowing every vehicle to be turned into 'taxis’ should be a source of concern to the authorities.</p>, <p>A Civil Servant, Mrs Remilekun Adeoye, said it was a serious security concern that the FCTA and security agencies were allowing private vehicles to be transporting commuters without any permit. Adeoye said that due to sharp increase in fuel price, many private car owners now operate taxi services illegally.</p>, <p>“This development could endanger lives as it is now difficult to identify genuine drivers from criminals intending to rob or kidnap.</p>, <p>“Though the incidence of traffic robbers, locally called ‘one-chance’, has reduced drastically in the territory, this emerging challenge may create new security issues,” she added.</p>, <p>Mr Ikenna Opara, a timber trader at Kugbo Timber market, said that Abuja being the capital city of the nation, ought to have a properly regulated transportation system.</p>, <p>“It is unfortunate that the Federal Government, most especially the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), seem to have no interest in ensuring a standardised transportation system.</p>, <p>“The problem is not peculiar to Abuja alone, but getting the transport system right in the FCT would inspire states to follow suit.</p>, <p>“The Federal Government should complete the Abuja metro rail line and sanction the use of unre